The first year was such a huge success that organizers are back and happy to be promoting their 2nd Annual Brewer's Ball to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Friday, Oct. 5 from 7 p.m. to midnight, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo.

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The unique event offers guests the opportunity to sample a variety of handcrafted microbrews from a number of the region's best microbreweries as well as enjoy the favorite craft beers of local restaurant and bars, gourmet pub food, live entertainment, raffles, silent and live auctions and more.

All in all, the evening will provide the perfect venue for entertaining fun with the end result a big boost for a truly worthwhile cause.

Last year's Brewer's Ball marked the first signature event for the new Dakotas Satellite office for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation that was opened earlier in the year in Fargo.

Patrick Kirby, senior director of development for the office, said that the monies raised at the event will be crucial to research for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "Cystic fibrosis is an orphan disease, which means our patient population is so small (roughly 30,000) that the government doesn't help fund research to find a cure. So every dollar we raise, and every drug we push through the FDA to help cure and control CF is funded solely by parents, friends, family and businesses who believe we are getting close to making "CF" stand for "Cure Found!"

Kirby is hoping for an excellent turnout, noting that participation for last year's Brewers Ball "was overwhelming and exceeded all our expectations raising nearly $40,000. With the addition this year of eight more beers, an upgrade in the unique food and nearly double the amount of silent auction items

items

-- we anticipate raising close to $60,000 this year."

Consequently, Kirby would encourage anyone looking for an evening of excitement and fun to consider attending. "Guests at the Fargo Brewer's Ball will be treated to a world-class event with some of the most unique beers and foods around, one of the regions most unique silent auctions, great live music and knowing that nearly 90 cents of every dollar we raise goes to support vital cystic fibrosis research, medical and educational programs.We have a number of new Craft Beer sponsors, and a wider variety of beers to try this year. Also, the food will make your taste buds work overtime - it's that good."

Ticket price is $75 ($30 tax deductible), which allows guest to taste the craft beers and enjoy the all-you-can-eat pub food from the Hilton Garden Inn. Live music will also be provided by the and over Silent Auction items will be featured. Kirby said the big auction item this year happens to be four tickets to the sold out NDSU Bison Homecoming game the morning after the Brewers Ball, complete with a tailgate spot that includes food and adult beverages for 12.

A limited number of VIP tickets to the Brewer's Ball are also being offered that include an exclusive beer tasting and pairing of food an hour before the doors open to the public. An Exclusive Beer 101 Class taught by the Prairie Homebrewing Companies will also be offered to the VIP guests.

Kirby added that organizers are extremely grateful to all the entities so willing to pitch in and help out. "We have been blown away with the generosity of the FM community, and are so lucky to have the support of so many amazing sponsors, businesses, families and community leaders that believe the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will fund the first medical miracle of the 21st century - and that is funding a cure for CF."